Ground Level Primary Electric Distribution System

ABSTRACT

A ground level primary electrical distribution system deploys terrain mounted or essentially terrain flush pipes that protect suppress ignition from fires that may occur if components fail within the pipes. The pipes can be deployed in remote and rugged terrain where overhead power lines poses fire risks from wind damage and it is impractical and disruptive to bury the electricity conducting cable or deployed along roadways or field at ground level or essentially flush with the ground to avoid excavation yet avoid the use of overhead power lines that can be subject to damage from high wind. The pipes can follow the terrain between junctions over rigid segments formed by a plurality of end-to-end coupled enclosures, while the conductors are protected within jacketing or flow through flexible insulating and isolating conduits within the more rigid pipes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Division of and claims the benefit ofpriority to the US Non-Provisional application having Ser. No.17/569,211 which was filed on Jan. 5, 2022. The present application alsoclaims the benefit of priority to the following US Provisionalapplications: Ser. No. 63/134,349 filed on Jan. 6, 2021 and Ser. No.63/265,542 filed in Dec. 16, 2021, all of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The field of inventions is electric utility distribution systems.

The traditional primary distribution system design and constructioncontinues to present risk, execution, construction, and financialchallenges in meeting the hazards and as well as operationalimplications as it relates to climate change (Extremes or unprecedentedwind levels, drought, increased tree mortality rate, and temperaturerise, etc.)

Rebuilding the electric system to achieve to support arc free fireprevention is especially challenging in rural, unpopulated, orinaccessible areas with difficult terrain. A clear example is the mostrecent events of wildfires in California since 2017, where public safetyand massive fire has been the result of unprecedented high wind levelscausing vegetation contact with open conducers, branches or dead treesfalling into energized overhead lines, Equipment or components failuresresulting in electrical arcing and fire ignition.

Although the Californian utilities have deployed many strategies bothfrom an operational perspective by shutting lines down during high fireindex days and rebuilding the overhead systems with cover conductors andlarger structures, there is no viable cost-effective solution to meetthe needs of their customers to ensure reliable and safe power supply.

Accordingly, it is a first object of the invention to provide a viableand cost-effective solution to eliminate or minimize the risk fireignition associated with primary electric grid due to externalimplication of climate change.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a solution indifficult terrain such as mountains areas, granite, rock, and hardgrounds does not lend itself to the traditional undergrounding ofelectric facilitates or become prohibitive due to construction or fieldexecution challenges.

The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the followingdescription of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In the present innovation, a first object is achieved by providing acontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem, the container system comprising an enclosure having a trayhaving a base at a bottom and a pair of opposing sidewalls, in which thesidewalls slope upward from opposing edges of the bottom at a junctionwith the sidewalls to a rim, the rim being at a generally horizontalopening in the tray in which the horizontal opening has a narrower widththan a width of the base between the opposing edges, one or more cablespacer members laterally spaced apart between the first pair of opposingsidewalls, a lid configured to engage the rim to close the horizontalopening in the tray.

A second object of the innovation is achieved by providing such acontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem that further comprises a pair of openings that are generallyorthogonal to the first pair of opposing sidewalls,

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the cable spacer members are one of formed integrallywithin the bottom of the tray and spaced apart to extend at leastpartially over a portion of the bottom of the tray.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the cable spacer members have a plurality of holes toallow a liquid used to fill a cavity between the tray and the lid toflow under a portion of one at least one of the tray and the cablespacer members.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the tray has one or more lateral flanges that extendoutward away from at least one of the opposing sidewalls at the edge ofthe base.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem wherein at least one lower portion of the lid penetrates belowthe rim.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the tray has a central portion with an interior cavitysurrounded by a convoluted flexible wall.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which one of the lid and opposing sidewalls have a portionthat forms an acute angle less than 60 degrees from the base.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the lateral flanges have through holes for receivinganchors to couple the tray in proximal contact with terrain.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the lid has downward extending portion that covers atleast an exterior portion of the sidewalls.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the lid has at least one downward extending portion thatcovers at least an exterior portion of the sidewalls that extend as sideflanges for extending over the lateral flanges of the tray.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the lid has side flanges for extending over the lateralflanges of the tray and the side flanges of the lid has holes thatvertically align with holes in the lateral flanges of the tray forreceiving anchors to couple the tray in proximal contact with terrain.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem further comprising one or more coupling bars configured to extendover sidewall of the enclosure at edge of the openings that aregenerally orthogonal to the first pair of opposing sides and engage a2nd enclosure connected to the opposing openings of the enclosure.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the coupling bars that engage the connection between theenclosure and a second enclosure at the opposing opening of theenclosure by flexing to snap in place.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem further comprising one or more coupling bars configured to extendover lateral flanges of the tray and the side flanges of the lid at edgeof the openings that are generally orthogonal to the first pair ofopposing sides and engage a 2nd enclosure connected to the opposingopenings of the enclosure.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the tray has a portion that is one of curved and bent tochange a local principal axis of at least a portion of the enclosure.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the tray has a portion that is one of curved and bent tochange a local principal axis of a portion of the enclosure to disposeone of the openings of said pair above the other opening of the pairsuch that the base of the tray is not entirely disposed in a singleplane.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which each of the openings of said pair is configured to havean inverted lag offset flange from the other opening to provide sealedengagement when a 2nd enclosure is coupled to the enclosure at opposingopenings.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the enclosure is fabricated from a dielectric materialor composite that is fire resilient and will not propagate flames thatoriginate either internally or externally.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which at least a portion of the bottom of the tray is open.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the lid has one or more holes.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the cable spacers are configured as cable supportmembers that present upward facing channels for receiving at least oneof insulated conductor cable, cable in conduit and fiber optic cable.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the upward spacing channels vary in diameter toaccommodate narrow fiber optic cables and wider cable that are oneinsulated conductor cables and conductor in conduit.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the cable spacers are configured as an indexing memberwith a plurality of downward appendages that descend from a generallyhorizontal support.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing containersystem for forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution system, thecontainer system comprising an enclosure having a base at having abottom and a first pair of opposing sidewalls, in which the sidewalls ofthe first pair extend upward from the base to an upper rim at ahorizontal opening in the base, one or more cable spacer memberslaterally spaced apart between the opposing sidewalls of the first pair,a lid for installing over the base to cover the rim of the base, the lidhaving a generally horizontal center portion and opposing walls thatslopes from a lower rim upward to the generally horizontal centerportion in which a height of the lid from the lower rim to the generallyhorizontal center portion is greater than a height of the base from thebottom to the upper rim.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing such acontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem according to claim 25 in which the cable spacers are configuredas an indexing member with a plurality of downward appendages thatdescend from a generally horizontal support.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem further comprising a second lid to sealingly cover the upper rimof the base.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the cable spacers are configured as cable supportmembers that present upward facing channels for receiving at least oneof insulated conductor cable, cable in conduit and fiber optic cable.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the lid has one or more holes.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing a containersystem for forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution system, thecontainer system comprising an enclosure having a base having a bottom,one or more cable spacer members laterally spaced apart for isolatingcables disposed on the bottom, a lid for installing over the base tocover the one or more cable spacer members, the lid having a generallyhorizontal center portion and opposing walls that slope from a lower rimupward to the generally horizontal center portion, in which a height ofthe lid from the lower rim to the generally horizontal center portion isgreater than a height of the cable spacer member from the bottom toprovide a cavity for receiving one or more of at least one of insulatedconductor cable, cable in conduit and fiber optic cable.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing such acontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which each of the base and the lid have outward extendinglateral side flanges that overlap, including with aligned holes in eachside flanges for receiving anchors to couple the base and lid togetherin proximal contact with terrain.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the cable spacers are configured as cable supportmembers that present upward facing channels for receiving at least oneof insulated conductor cable, cable in conduit and fiber optic cable.

Another object of the innovation is achieved by providing any suchcontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem in which the lid has one or more holes to provide for filling aspace in the cavity over and around cables with a cementitious filler.

The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the followingdescription of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of the prior art overhead electricaldistribution system, whereas FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of aninventive ground-level distribution system.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the ground-leveldistribution system, whereas FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a portionof a distribution system that eliminates or avoids the use of overheadwires between junctions.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate in schematic elevation and perspective viewrespectively a ramp that extends over the pipe segments of the systemwhere FIG. 3C is a schematic elevation view of tunnels under a pipesegment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of various components for optionaluse with the ground-level distribution system.

FIG. 5A-D are perspective views of various components for optional usewith the ground-level distribution system. FIG. 5E is a cut awayperspective view of a cable configuration

FIG. 6A-C are schematic perspective views of various anchor or mountingcomponents for optional use with the ground-level distribution system.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic cutaway perspective views of components ofthe cable system that are optionally deployed within the ground-leveldistribution system.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic cutaway perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the cable system or a component thereof.

FIGS. 9A and 9B is a schematic cutaway perspective view of anotheralternative embodiment of the cable system or a component thereof.

FIG. 10A-10D are various perspective and isometric views of anchoringmeans ground-level distribution system components.

FIG. 11A-D are schematic illustrations of various alternative anchoringmeans ground-level distribution system components.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of tap link to theground-level distribution system and FIG. 12B is a schematic wiringdiagram thereof.

FIG. 13A-C are schematic connection diagrams of connections at a padmounting link.

FIG. 14A-D are schematic structural and connection diagrams ofalternative junctions 120 or links 1301 in the ground-level distributionsystem

FIG. 15A-15E are schematic structural and assembly diagrams of anotheraspect of ground-level distribution system components in which FIG. 15Ais a transverse cross-sectional view of the assembled and completesystem, FIG. 15B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the componentsthereof before assembly and encasement of conductors and fiber opticcables. FIG. 15C is a top plan view of the outermost component in FIG.15B, FIG. 15D is a side elevation view thereof and FIG. 15E isperspective view of a portion of the complete system in FIG. 15A showingthe transverse cross-section thereof.

FIG. 16A-16C are schematic structural and assembly diagrams of anotheraspect of ground-level distribution system components in which FIG. 16Ais a transverse cross-sectional view of the assembled and completesystem, FIG. 16B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the componentsthereof before assembly and encasement of conductors and fiber opticcables. FIG. 16C is a top plan view of the outermost component in FIG.16A.

FIG. 17A-E are schematic structural and assembly diagrams of anotheraspect of ground-level distribution system components in which FIG. 17Ais a transverse cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of thecomplete system. FIG. 17B is an exploded transverse cross-sectionalelevation view of a tray and lid that form components of the embodiment.FIG. 17C is a top plan view of the lid in FIG. 17A-17B. FIG. 17D is atop plan view of optional connector piece and FIG. 17E is a transversecut away perspective view of a portion of the complete system.

FIG. 18A-18D schematically illustrated a 4-way junction box forproviding connections to the various embodiments of the ground-leveldistribution system components in which FIG. 18A is an explodedperspective view thereof including an optional lid, FIG. 18B is a topplan view and FIG. 18C is a side elevation view and FIG. 18D is a frontelevation view thereof.

FIG. 19A is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of ajunction box without the lid and FIG. 19B is a front elevation view of avariant of the junction box with a different shape portal.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of anotherembodiment of a ground-level distribution system.

FIG. 21A is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of anotherembodiment of a ground-level distribution system whereas FIG. 21B is aside cross-sectional elevation view of connected components thereof thatare transverse to the view FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22A is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of anotherembodiment of a ground-level distribution system whereas FIG. 22B is across-section elevation view of an alternative component thereof.

FIG. 23A is an exploded cross-sectional elevation view of alternativecomponents of a ground-level distribution system, whereas FIG. 22B is analternative to a component thereof. FIG. 23C is a schematiccross-sectional elevation view of another embodiment of a ground-leveldistribution system deploying a component of FIG. 23A and in combinationwith the component of FIG. 23B.

FIG. 24A-D are schematic structural and assembly diagrams of anotheraspect of ground-level distribution system components and their methodof use in which FIG. 24A illustrates in a transverse cross-sectionalelevation view assembled components thereof before installation ofconductor cables, FIG. 24B shows the conductor cables installed thereon.FIG. 24C illustrates the step filling the cavity around the cables withconcrete that hardens to form a protective covering over the cables andFIG. 24D illustrates the cover or lid installed over the assembly inFIG. 24C.

FIG. 25A-C are schematic structural and assembly diagrams of a variantof the ground-level distribution system components and their method ofuse in which FIG. 25A illustrates in a transverse cross-sectionalelevation view assembled components thereof before installation ofconductor cables, FIG. 24B is a top plan view of FIG. 25A and FIG. 24Cis a transverse cross-sectional elevation view of the assembledground-level distribution system with the lid over covering in place.

FIG. 26A-26C schematically illustrate in perspective view anotheralternative embodiment of base or tray and lid for assembly into theground-level distribution system.

FIG. 27A-27D schematically illustrate in perspective view anotheralternative embodiment of the tray and lid for forming the ground-leveldistribution system.

FIG. 28A-C schematically illustrate in perspective views portion of theground-level distribution system.

FIG. 29A-29D schematically illustrate in perspective views alternativeconfiguration for trays and lids to accommodate different size andnumbers of conductor and/or fiber optic cables.

FIG. 30A-30D schematically illustrate portions of a GLDS 100 with atransition from a flush mounted variant thereof via a junction box (FIG.30C) and a transition from a buried distribution system via a junctionbox (FIG. 30D) in which FIG. 30A corresponds to section line A-A in FIG.30C whereas FIG. 30B corresponds to section line B-B in FIG. 30C.

FIG. 31A-31D schematically illustrate an alternative embodiments of aground-level distribution system with a transition a buried distributionsystem via a junction box in which FIG. 31A is a cross-sectionalelevation of the component shown connecting the buried junction box tothe ground-level distribution system whereas FIG. 31B shows incross-sectional elevation the cable traversing the junction box usingthis component. FIG. 31C is a cross-sectional elevation of analternative component shown with a different connection to the buriedjunction box on one side and the ground-level distribution system on theother, whereas FIG. 31B shows in cross-sectional elevation the cabletraversing the junction box using this alternative component. FIG. 31Dis a cross-sectional elevation view of a junction box 120 providing atransition from the pipe 110 on the right to the buried pipe 110 br onleft.

FIG. 32A-33C schematically illustrate in cross-sectional elevation viewssteps in a process for installing a flush mounted variant of a GLDS.

FIG. 34A is a schematic perspective view within an alternativeembodiment of a junction box, whereas FIG. 34B is a cross-sectionalelevation view thereof that includes the GLDS.

FIG. 35A is a cross-sectional elevation view of another alternativeembodiment of a junction box connect to a GLDS, whereas FIG. 35B is acut-away top plan view thereof in which section line A-A corresponds toFIG. 35A.

FIG. 36A is a schematic top plan view of an alternative embodiment of aconnection piece or coupler bar whereas FIG. 36B is a cross-sectionalelevation view thereof at section line B-B in FIG. 36A.

FIG. 37A is a schematic top plan view of an alternative embodiment of anopen base or tray component for forming a GLDS, whereas FIG. 37B is across-sectional elevation view thereof take at section line B-B in FIG.37A in which the left side has an installed cover. In thecross-sectional elevation view in FIG. 37C the cover is installed on theright and left sides and the central or medial portion between them isflexed to tilt the right side at an acute angle away from the left side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 37C, wherein like reference numerals referto like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein anew and improved Ground-Level Primary Electric Distribution System,generally denominated 100 herein.

FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of the common and prior art aerialmounted primary electric distribution System in which conductor cable101 are suspended from spaced apart poles 11.

In accordance with the present invention the ground level primaryelectric distribution system (GLDS) 100 comprises a plurality of pipes110 with two more pipes 110 of said plurality being connected togetherin at least one junction 120. Conductor cables 101 then extend throughthe two or more pipes 110. Various means 130 are deployed for anchoringor mounting the plurality of pipes 110 as well as components thereof, insubstantially proximal contact with terrain, wherein the plurality ofpipes 110 are configured to contain internal thermal ignition andpreclude external damage to the integrity of the plurality of pipes 110and the high-voltage conductor cables 101 extending therethrough, suchas from fire and other natural disasters, including but not limitedfloods, windstorms, tornados and the like.

This GLDS 100 may deploy a hybrid approach in combining existingcomponents from various utilities/industries (e.g., electric, gas,petroleum, etc.) and new asset components (fire resilient U-Guard,Conduit, Pad-mount Skirt and the like) to construct a primary electricdistribution system to reduce or eliminate the risk of electric ignitiondue to external factors, as well as vegetation management requirementsfor an overhead distribution system. Various embodiments of the systemand system components are believed capable of providing the safestmethods of providing electric service in the applicable areas, preventselectric utilities from initiating planed service shut offs due to highfire index or winds, and minimizes the wildfire risk.

Fire resilient components (such as U-guard brand pole protectors andPads) may form part of an integrated system to house the primaryconductors 101 on or over pipe 110 or junctions 120.

In some embodiments GLDS 100 has multi-layer protection of the pipes toensure public and system safety, such as fully insulated cable, schedule40 PVC conduct, and an outer layer of fire resilient U-guards (rigid) orsteel conduit (grounded with cathodic protection).

The term pipe(s) 110 is intended to embrace an elongated passage foreventually covering, protecting and isolating a plurality of parallelconductors, all of which extend generally in parallel to the principalor longest axis of the pipe 110. The term cable 101 is intended toembrace insulated elongated electrical conductors, which is conductivewires and assemblies of wires, empty conduit that can receive insulatedor uninsulated elongated electrical conductors as well as a conduit withpre-installed insulated or uninsulated elongated electrical conductors,which is known as CIC for Cable in Conduit. For example, a pipe 110 mayaccommodate 3 or more adjacent isolated elongated electrical conductors,which may include any combination of the same or different types ofelectrical cable constructions, such as insulated conductors, conduitfor adding conductors at a latter stage as well as CIC.

Various means 130 for anchoring or mounting the plurality of pipes 101substantially in proximal contact with terrain are illustrated in theFigures as described in the various embodiments below.

FIG. 1 illustrates conventional overhead distribution systems in whichthe electrically conducting cable 101 is suspended overhead andenergized the voltage is between 4 KV and 21 KV. The conductors may beopen or covered. Connections to industrial, commercial, and residentialusers are formed by nodes or junctions with step down transformers toreduce the voltage in distribution conduits to at least one of 120 and240 V, or the local standard voltages for countries other than theUnited States. The conductors or conductor cables 101 are optionallysuspended from upright wood, metal, or composite poles 11 that aremounted to the ground, soil or terrain 10.

FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of the GLDS 100 showing at least onefire resilient pipe 110 (which on poles 11 may include fire resilientpole covers, such as is available under the U-Guard brand) which ismounted to the terrain (depending on the dynamics of elevation, ground,and its type) and optional junctions 120 at opposing ends. The left endhas a junction 120 that forms a ground leading to an overheaddistribution system whereas the right end of the pipe 110 has a secondjunction 120 for connection to another pipe 110.

FIG. 2A illustrates how the pipes 110 that are mounted proximal to theground or terrain minimize exposure to primary conductive cables 101that would otherwise be suspended overhead or need to be buried in theground. Overhead (OH) lines are eliminated between junctions 120, as arepoles 11 which suspend the OH lines, and which may provide OHtransformers and service drops. Such transformers and service drops canalso be provided at or within junction boxes 120.

FIG. 2B illustrates that junctions or junction boxes 120 may simply bephysical connections between relatively inflexible pipe 110 segments,allowing each pipe segment 110 connected to another segment 110 todivert direction and/or orientation to accommodate local terrain and thedesired path of the distribution system. A junction 120 can also beformed at a pad mounted transformer (FIG. 13A) for connection to lowervoltage distribution cables, such as when a utility is building newservices or is able to convert the OH services to underground or a GLDS100.

FIG. 3A-3C illustrates additional components useful to comply withaccess and environmental regulations in terrains and jurisdictions suchas California. In FIGS. 3A and 3B a ramp 301 having an entrance and exitfor fire truck crossings can be placed strategically to extend over thepipe 110. The ramp 301 can simply be steel plates 302 suspended abovethe ground by a plurality of footings 303.

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, a tunnel 304 supported by steel plate orpipes 305 is placed under the ground-level system pipes can allow forcrossing of wildlife, such as the California tiger salamander.

FIG. 4A-6E illustrates various components that can be optionallydeployed with different manner of pipes 110 to convey the requisite fireresistance and mechanical resilience from possible sources of externalenvironmental damage.

FIG. 4A illustrates anchor bolts 401 of various sizes for connectingplates 506 or other components to pads on or directly to the terrainwhich are optionally have lengths vary from 6, 12, 18 or more inches inlength.

FIG. 4B illustrates a pad mount skirt extension 402 for equipment withconduit(s) connected at the generally circular knockout segments 403.The pad mount skirt extension 402 can be formed in variousfire-resistant materials, such as fiberglass impregnated cross-linkedplastic resins that contain flame retardant chemicals and compounds, aswell as ceramic or concrete cast structures.

FIG. 5A-D, FIG. 6A-C, FIG. 8A, FIG. 10A-D and FIG. 11A-E, among others,illustrate a series of alternative means for anchoring or mounting 130the plurality of pipes 110.

FIG. 5A illustrates a raised conduit resting stand 501 with anchor holes502 through the anchor plate 506. The conduit resting stand 501 isconnected to the anchor plate 506 via vertical slabs 501 v. The pipe orconduit is intended to be disposed on the concave upper portion of thestand, which can be shaped to stably support other shape pipe 110, suchas aU-shape to support rectangular pipe 110. FIGS. 5B and 5Crespectively illustrate in front elevation and perspective views afiberglass composite stand 503 with inserts 504 for terrain or shouldattachment with a concave upward support surface. FIG. 5D illustrates anadjustable conduit support system 505 with an anchor plate 506. Theadjustable portion is the vertical placement of the two half circulararcs 507 a and 507 b that extend around opposing sides of the pipe 110and clamp it in place to the upright support column 508 that extendupward from the planar anchor plate 506. Holes 502 in the anchor plate506 are provided for receiving screws, bolts, clamps, or other means toconnect to either terrain or soil 10 or terrain mounted components suchas poured concrete fittings, or other terrain mountable components andthe like.

The conductor cables 101 are preferably insulated with a flexibledielectric material and the pipes are more rigid than flexibledielectric material. However, in various embodiments a plurality orseparate and spaced apart flexible or rigid dielectric conduit may beinserted or formed in pipes 110 in the same manner as cable 101 areinstalled and the bare or insulated conductor cable 101 that be insertedin into each conduit. This configuration improves the ease of replacingthe conductor cable 101 by removing it between various junction in thesystem. FIG. 5E illustrates a cable and conduit system showing howschedule 40 PVC conduit 509 that is fully shielded, with aluminum orcopper conductors 101, typically used in underground system, is placedwithin the pipe 110.

FIG. 6A illustrates a portion of fire-resistant pipe 110 segment orconduit cover with anchor holes 502 in opposing side flanges 254. Whenthe sides flanges 254 are mounted to an impermeable substrate, a pipe110 is formed. FIG. 6B illustrates a split conduit of steel orfire-resistant pipe 110 or conduit covering. When the upper shell 601 uand lower shell 6011 are fastened a pipe 110 is formed. The upper 601 uand lower shell 6011 may be in hinged connection along one side of thepipe 110 that is formed. FIG. 6C illustrates in a perspective view afixed elevated support plate 506 has 2 spaced apart column or standoffthat extent upward to support on opposing end a lower semi-circularbracket 607 b, for supporting a round pipe 110 which is held in place bythe upper attaching to the lower semi-circular bracket 607 b

FIG. 7A illustrates multiple cables 101 that may extend parallel throughthe pipe 110, as shown in FIG. 7B, such as separate flexible fiberglassconduit segments that are spaced apart in the pipe 110 within whichshielded conductor 101 is inserted in each conduit. Hence, eachconductor 101 is within its own flexible fiberglass conduit. The pipe110 contains multiple parallel strands or segments of the flexiblefiberglass conduit having the connectors therein. The pipe 110 can becovered with U-Guard brand fire resistant layers that protect thefiberglass conduit and conductors therein. Further, as another examplethe pipe 110 can be metallic, and grounded, or nonmetallic compositematerials that are reinforced and significantly thicker than theflexible fiberglass conduit to provide strength from external physicaldamage as well as minimize the potential for fire damage.

FIG. 8A illustrates configurations for uneven ground of a cable 101within conduit the primary system is to be installed fiberglass or steelpipe 110 with anchoring systems. The anchors 130 can be selected asappropriate to the site dynamics. FIG. 8B illustrates another embodimentin which multiple pipes 110 that comprise flexible PVC conduit haveconductors therein and are covered by an elongated composite or steelU-shaped cover 115 with anchoring holes 502 on opposing sides. TheU-shaped cover may have one or more layers that are fire resistantcoatings.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a split conduit system 900 which is open likean elongated shell in FIG. 9A. This split conduit is illustrated asclosed in FIG. 9B. FIG. 9B also illustrates an adjustable bracket 140extending around the pipe 110 that is connected by an upright column orstandoff 508 that can be varied in height above the lateral anchoringplate 506 to which it is coupled. The position of the bracket 140 thatextends around the pipe 110 may be adjustable via the upright stand 508,which can have sliding or telescoping sections.

FIG. 10A-D illustrate alternative views of a form of anchoring means 130that is a steel clamps 1001 that form ½ circular arc between thecoupling thereof at opposing ends to lateral mounting fixtures 1002,which have holes 502 for receiving screws, or bolts such as groundpenetrating anchor bolts 401, clamps or other means to connect to eitherterrain or terrain mounted components such as poured concrete footings.FIG. 10A is a front elevation view thereof, FIG. 10B is a top plan view,FIG. 10C is a perspective view and FIG. 10D is a side elevation view ofthe clamp.

FIG. 11A-11E illustrates various views alternative clamps or anchoringmeans 130 to couple various embodiments of the pipe 110 to the terrainor soil 10. The various anchoring means 130 may deploy a plate 506 withholes 502 such as receiving ground penetrating anchor bolts 401. Theplate 506 may support via one or more columns 508 or stands off thatextend upward to support the resting plate 501 that has an upwardconcavity to receive a portion of the outer diameter of the pipe 101, aswell as alternative shape to receive and support the complimentary shapeof a pipe with a different cross-sectional shape, such as a U-shape fora rectangular pipe 101.

FIG. 12A illustrates in a perspective view a tap link cabinet 1201 witha plurality of knock outs or punch outs 403 which when opened can thenreceive pipes 110 that can optionally be configured for elevated to flatground installation or be pad mounted for further protection.

FIG. 12B is a schematic illustration of the optional electricalconnections in a junction box 120 via busbars 1203 within the link,which optionally may use single phase vacuum switches.

FIGS. 13A-C illustrate alternative embodiments of a pad mounttransformer 1301 option with secondary risers in which each pipe 110 canextend outward to sides of the cabinet which optionally may contain aloop transformer.

FIG. 14A-D illustrate alternative embodiments of junction boxes 120which in FIG. 4A may have a separate connection. The junction box 120has internal connections between conductive cable therein that enter onopposite side from pipe 110 that extend on or parallel to the surface ofterrain 10. The junction boxes 120 in FIG. 14B-C in contrast connect ordirect cable therein 101 from a horizontal direction in a first pipe orconduit 110 to exit from the junction box to then extend in a secondpipe or conduit 110 in the vertical direction such as up a pole 11 toconnect with a transformer and or OH distribution system.

FIG. 15A-15E are schematic structural and assembly diagrams of anotheraspect of ground-level distribution system 100 formed from multiplecomponents that include a base 250 for supporting a series of cable 101in a spaced apart arrangement in channels 255 defined by one or morearcing segments. The side channel 255′ have a smaller radius arc toaccommodate smaller diameter optic cables 102, such as may be used forsystem integrity communications, or leased to third parties, such astelephonic and cable signal and entertainment distribution networks. Thecable 101 and 102 may remain spaced apart by an indexing member 260 inwhich a plurality of downward appendages 265 descent from a generallyhorizontal support 261. The indexing member 260 may be arcuate atopposing side 260R and 260L to conform to the interior or lower surface2151 shape of a capping member 215 with a plurality of spaced apartholes 216. The center of the capping member 215 is arcuate with flatside flanges 254 having hole 254 h that align with side holes in thebase 250. A dielectric filler, such as concrete mixtures can be pouredor pumped into the cavity 257 between the capping member 215 and thebase 250 via the holes 216. The capping member 215 has sloping arcuatesides 253 the upper center portion and flat side flanges 254 arereinforced by the cured and allow vehicle to drive over the structurewithout damaging the integrity of the sealed cables 101 and 102.

FIG. 16A-C illustrate another embodiment in which the cable 101 andoptionally cable 102 are sealed in an elongated pipe 110 formed from aplurality of generally U-shaped boxes with open ends 270 that itself iscovered with a sealable lid 271. Each U-shaped channel segment or box270 that is then covered by a capping member 215 having smooth andgenerally arcuate sloping sides 253. The cable 101 and optionally cables102 are seated the receiving channel 255 in the bottom of the U-shapedchannel segment or box 270 When the boxes 270 are arranged end to endand the cable 101 and optionally 102 inserted in receiving channels 255then concrete can be pumped or poured into the box 270 before the lid251 set on the upper rim inserted. The filled boxes 270 with lids 271are then covered by the capping member 215 and concrete is poured orpumped via the holes 216 thereof to file the space above the lid 271,the sides of the box 270 and below the capping member 270. The box 270is set on the ground 10, and the capping member has side flanges 254that extend beyond the edge of the box for anchoring to the ground viathe holes 254 h thereof. It should be noted that the holes 216 forfilling with concrete include a center hole and 2 holes on opposingsloping side 253 that are between the center hole 216 c and the sideholes 216 s. The sloping sides of the capping member 215 when reinforcedby the filler such as concrete 1501, will support vehicle and allow thento readily traverse the pipe or conduit 110. It is preferable that thecapping member 215 have sloped sides in the direction transverse to theprincipal axis of the pipe 110 that form an acute angle α with terrain10 that is preferable less than about 60°, and more preferably not morethan 45°. In other embodiments the lid 115 or the tray or enclose 150may provide such sloped sides between the ground or terrain and the pipe110 to allow vehicle to cross-the pipe, as well as avoid making abarrier for small animals. In other embodiments such sloped sides in thedirection transverse to the principal axis of the pipe 110 may form anangle α with terrain 10 that is preferable less than about 75°, and morepreferably not more than 65°, and most preferably not more than 45° bythe shape of the most exterior components of the pipe 110 or system,such as junction boxes 120. More preferably, the transitions between thesides of the pipe 110 and any component of the GLDS 100 have gradualchanges in curvature between the portion of the side with the largestslope a and the terrain 10 and a top of the pipe 110 or other componentsthat is flat and vertical, such as in the embodiment od FIG. 15A, 17A,25C, 26A-30B, among others.

FIG. 17A-E schematically illustrate another alternative embodiment of amethods of forming a pipe 110 for GLDS 100 in which conductors 101 a,101 b and 101 c are protected. A series of trays 150 are disposed on thenatural, re-graded or added ground surface 10 and then attached end toend along the common principal axis 1001 of the pipe 110 that theycollectively form when joined. The conductive cable or conduit 101 a,101 b and 101 c are placed in concave channels 155 that extend betweenopposing front and rear ends which are intended to align with theprincipal axis of the pipe 110. The opposing sides transverse to frontand rear ends have a series of holes. The lid 115 is domed in the centerto extend over the installed conductive cable or conduit 101 a, 101 band 101 c, with opposing side flanges 154 shaped to engage the sideregion of the tray 150 and have a series of holes 154 h for aligningwith the holes in the tray 150. The lid 115 may have a series of holes116 in the lid 115 for filling with concrete. The two flanges 154 of thelid 154 are thus in parallel alignment with and that straddle theprincipal axis 1001 of the pipe 110. FIG. 17D is an optional connectionpiece or coupler bar 170 that can be attached to over the interface oflids 115 that cover adjacent trays 150.

FIG. 18A to FIG. 19B schematically illustrate in various viewsalternative embodiments of junctions 120 with multiple portals 121 forreceiving connections to the pipes 110 having conductors 101. Thejunction 120 is optionally sealed with a lid 121 after filling withconcrete after connections have been made between incoming cable 101,which enter the junction 120 through segments of pipe 110 on one, two,three or any number additional portals 121 that may be disposed on thesides of the junction 120. These figures illustrate how the sides mayextend outward from the portal 121 to match the shape of the pipes whichin FIG. 19A-19D would have parallel sides and a arced top, or in FIG. 20, which the pipe 101 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, asshown in FIG. 20B in which the portal 121 are shaped to receive a pipe101 with inward sloping sides.

FIG. 20 schematically illustrated a portion of a pipe 110 or pipesegment with installed cable 101 surround by or enclosed in concrete1501 within the pipe 110, the pipe 110 being disposed on the groundsurface or terrain 10.

FIG. 21-30 illustrate components of another preferred embodiment of aground level distribution system 100 in which the pipe 110 is formed ofa plurality of trays 150 which are attached at opposing ends that arecovered by lids 115 optionally after the trays 150 are filled. It shouldbe understood that any of these embodiments may have the tray orenclosure 150 or cable support strips 160 that contains channel forsupporting and providing physical separation between the electrical orconductor cables 101 and optionally one or more fiber optic cable 102from the electrical or conductor cables 101.

FIG. 21A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the pipe 110 withinstalled cap, covers or lid 115 over a base 150 for containing aplurality of conductor cables 101 a, 101 b and 101 c. The base 150 hasupright sidewalls 151 that terminate at a rim 152.

FIG. 21B schematically illustrated how the base or trays 150 and lids115 may have a have a lag offset as upper flange 154 uf on the frontopposing end 150 f and a lower flange 1541 f at the back opposing end150 b provide for improved sealing by the overlap of the adjacent trays150 and lid 115 that form the pipe 110.

In the various embodiment schematically illustrated in FIG. 21B-27D theopposing ends 150 f and 150 b of the tray 150 and other structures forreceiving the cable 101 are preferably configured to overlap with theopposing portion of the identical tray 150 to form a linear path fordisposing a different conductor and/or signal cable 101 in each channel155 to form a ground mounted pipe 110. Hence, the GLDS 100 is optionallyformed by assembling a plurality of trays 150 that attach end to end toform an enclosing sides of the pipe 110 for the cables 101 and/or fiberoptic cables 102.

In addition, the upward facing surface of the tray 150 may havesemi-circular depressions or portion of arcs 155 that extend lengthwiseas channel to accommodate insulated conductor cables 101 or rigid orpliable plastic pipe through which cables 101 can be passed through. Thesemi-circular depressions need not form a complete semi-circle, butrather a sufficient number of short points or arc segments to supportthe cables 101. The depressions 155 can be arranged in a spaced apartrelationship of adjacent placement of conductor cable 101, and somedepression may be smaller than others for supporting smaller diametercables, including fiber optic cables 102.

The space between the opposing sides 151 of the trays 150 and theinterior bottom 153 provide a cavity 157 for receiving an at leastfire-resistant or fireproof material 1501 to surround the cables 101. Acap or cover 115 may be placed over each tray or base 150 after thecavity 1507 is filled with a preferably fireproof material. It should beunderstood that the various cross-sections of conduit or pipe 110 withinstalled cable 101 that are surrounded by a concrete 1501, the concrete1501 may be replaced with a different supporting media that is solid orparticulate and is preferably a refractory or fire-resistant material.Fire resistant particulate, such as refractory ceramics and mineral likeperlite and vermiculite would allow re-work and reconfiguration intemporary structures without the need to break up concrete.

The cap or cover 115 for the tray 150 is preferably one of curved andslanted at the sidewalls 154 that descend downward to a lower rim 117 tomatch the curvature of the sides 151 of the tray 150, with the hole 118h on the side flanges 118 that extend laterally from each side of therim 117 coming into alignment with the holes 154 h to receive theappropriate form of an anchor 401 which couples the pipe 101 to thesurface or ground 10, as well as the lid 115 to the tray 150.

Side flanges 154 that extend the length of each tray 150 may have holes154 h or perforation to allow the insertion of anchoring members oranchor bolts 401 or other means to tie the assembly of trays 150 to theunderlying ground surface 10, and thus provide alternative anchoringmeans. In any of the various embodiments, the underlaying terrain, soil,or ground surface 10 may be solid or a bed of complaint matter 12 thatcan optionally be hardened and protected from wear or erosion by windand water.

FIG. 22A illustrates schematically an alternative embodiment of the pipe110 with installed cap, covers or lid 115 over a tray or base 150 forcontaining a plurality of conductor cables 101 a, 101 b and 101 c. Thebase 150 has upright sidewalls 151 that terminate at a rim 152. The cap115 in FIG. 22A may have outer descending flanges 115 f that extendbeyond the sidewalls 151 and the extend downward partially over thesidewall to prevent transverse movement once installed.

Alternatively, the cap 115 in FIG. 22B may have an inner portion 115 ithat descends partly below the rim 152 and an outer flange 115 f that isdisposed on the rim 152. One or more portions 115 i of the cap 115 thatdescent below the rim 152 of the tray 150 allow the cap 115 to be sealedin place in the on the tray 150 when the descending portions areembedded in uncured concrete that fill the cavity 157 and surrounds thecable 101 and/or 102 or conduit tubing for receiving the same.

FIG. 23D illustrates a cross sections of an embodiment of the GLDS 100in which the cable 101 are surround by a protective concrete 1501 thatwas formed by filling the trays 150 after the conductors 101 areinserted into bottom of the tray 150. The A soft or compliant fillermaterial 12, such as sand may be placed on the ground 10 before settingdown the tray 150, such that when the tray 150 is filled with concrete1501 the weight allows it to settle in the sand 12 which conforms to theexterior bottom shape of the tray 150.

In FIGS. 23A and 23C the tray 150 has inward sloping sidewall 151 thatterminate at a rim 152. The tray 150 has an interior bottom 153 betweenthe bases of the sides 151. The exterior of the base of the sides walls151 have side flanges 154 that extend laterally outward from eachsidewall 151 and have a plurality of holes 154 h for receiving anchoringmembers or anchor bolts 401 that enter the underlying ground surface 10to secure the plurality of trays 150 and thus the pipe 110 and GLDS 100in place. The cables 101 or hollow dielectric tubes for receiving cable101 may be placed within semi-circular channels 155 formed in the bottom153 of the tray 150, and optionally channels for fiber optical cable102. The upper flange 154 uf of the rightward tray will then extend overthe lower flange 15 flf of the leftward tray 150. The tray 150 iscompleted by fixing the bottom 153 to the ground surface or terrainbefore placing one or more conductive cables 101 or fiber optical cables102 in the channel 155 in the bottom 153. Then the lid 115 is placedover the bottom 153 such that flanges 118 on the opposing sides of thelid 115 rim 117 extend over the flanges 154 of the bottom 153. Flange118 may terminate at a downward extending edge 119 that extends over thevertical side of the flanges 154. The tray 150 can be filled withconcrete via holes 116 in the top portion or lid 115. The filling of thetrays 150 and placement of the lids 115 thereon then seals theoverlapping flange of both the tray 150 and the lid 115. In otherembodiments, the tray 150 can be filled to the rim of the sides and thelids 115 then attached before the concrete sets.

As shown schematically in FIG. 25A-25C the tray 150 itself may haveeither an open or flat bottom 153 and a plurality of cable supportsstrips 160 are disposed along the length of the end-to-end assembly oftrays 150, each cable support strip 160 being spaced apart from the mostadjacent cable support strips 160. The cable support strips 160 have aseries of adjacent support surfaces, such as the semi-circular channels165, which are intended for receiving cable 101. The cable strips 160also have descending stand offs 167 to raise the circular channel 165above an optional bottom 153 of the tray 150 or the top of the earth orsoil 10. When concrete 1501 is added to fill the cavity 157, it can flowunder the support strips 160, and more particularly under the circularchannels 166 and thus when solidified provide support structural supportif vehicles drive over the completed pipe 110 and prevent damage to thecable 101. Circular channels 166 may have a smaller diameter to supportadditional and smaller diameter fiber optical cables.

FIG. 26A-27C are perspective views the components of the trays 150 andthe lids 115 for end-to-end assembly to form a section of a grounddisposed pipe 110 for housing conductor cable 101. The trays 150 andlids 115 are intended in these Figures, among others to generallycorrespond with the corresponding components in FIG. 23A-26C. Inparticular, FIG. 26A shows a curved tray 150 before insertion of cable101 and placement of the lid 115. FIG. 26B shows a partial view thereofthat includes the ground 10 contacting portion of the tray 150, whereasFIG. 26C shows the fitting of the lid 115 over a single curved tray 150before insertion of cable 101.

FIG. 27A illustrates in perspective view a plurality of trays 150assembled end to end, for forming a portion of a ground mounted pipe110, in which three or more cables 101 are in place before covering withthe lid 115. FIG. 27B then shows the trays 150 covered by lids 115. FIG.11C is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11D is aninverted perspective view of the coupler bar that 170 fits over theconnection of adjacent trays 150 in which flanges at the front 150 f andback 150 b of adjacent trays 150 and lids 115 may meet.

FIG. 27A-C also schematically illustrate that the caps or lid 115 mayheld in place by a coupler bar 170. Ideally the cap 115 and coupler bar170 engage the tray 150 via a snap fitting. Hence, the coupler bar 170is preferably configured of plastic that is sufficiently flexible toenable a snap fit over the portion of the caps 115 that cover adjacenttrays 150. The trays or bases 150 may be curved to change the directionof the linear path, such as to proceed around obstacle or accommodate atransition to or from a vertical orientation, such as up a utility pole11, as illustrated in FIG. 28C in which the path of the pipe 110transitions from horizontal and at ground level to ascent up the side ofthe utility pole 11. The trays or bases 150 may be curved to bettermatch the soil or terrain 10, as well as curved to the right or left onthe ground (FIG. 26B-C and FIG. 27A-B) to change direction of the pipe110 to avoid obstacles that are difficult or environmentally destructiveto relocation, such as boulders or mature trees. When the terrain isparticularly steep the lid 115 with holes 116 may be installed beforeinserting, pouring, or pumping concrete 1501 into the cavity 1507between the cap or lid 115 and the tray 150.

FIG. 28A-C illustrated in perspective view portion of a pipe 101connecting junctions 120 or to overhead power lines on poles 11. FIG.28C illustrate how the pipe 110 enclosing cable 101 may have a tray 150and lid 115 combine to curve on the ground surface and to arch upwardfrom the ground surface 10 up the pole 11. In FIG. 28A the pole 11 tothe left now longer supports OH lines as they extend in the pipe 110 onthe ground surface. FIG. 28B illustrates the pipe 110 extending betweenand beyond junction 120. The junction 120 may contain system andenvironmental monitors which transmitted encoded signal thereof, such asfluctuations in voltage or current in any of the cable 101, thetemperature thereof and that of the environment to the fiber opticalcable 102 that is also enclosed in the pipe 110. The pipe 110 may bemounted or disposed on or at the ground surface, as illustrated in FIGS.31A-32C, 30A and 30C, or extend over various structure that eitherby-pass surface structures obstacle or allow passage for wildlife, suchas over tunnel 304 or under a vehicle ramp 301, well as connected to anypipe 110 with cable 101 that is supported above the ground surface suchas with adjustable conduit stand 505 and conduit resting stand 501.

FIG. 29A-D illustrate in perspective view alternative shape or the basesor trays 150 and the caps or lids 115 for covering them that have adifferent number of channels for spacing apart and supporting cables orconduit 101 an/or 102.

FIG. 30A-D illustrate in various views how a GLDS 100 may have a flushor essentially flush pipe 110 portion connect via a junction box 120 toa pipe 110 mounted or above the top of the terrain of soil 10. FIG. 30Acorresponds to section line A-A in FIG. 30C whereas FIG. 30B correspondsto section line B-B in FIG. 30C. In FIG. 30A an essentially flush pipe100 (to the left side of the elevation view in FIG. 30C) has a top at orjust below ground lever. FIG. 30B is cross-section elevation view of theground level pipe 100 (to the right side of the elevation view in FIG.30C) with the cable or conduit 101 being slightly bent in the transitionbetween them through the junction box 120 (FIG. 30C). FIG. 30D is aschematic side elevation view of the transition from a burieddistribution system on the left of the junction box 120 to the GLDS 100on the right, in which the cable or conduit 101 is also bent in thetransition. Such transitions can also be accomplished by splicing cable101 in a junction box 120.

FIG. 31A-C illustrate alternative means for connecting a GLDS 100 to aburied distribution system in which the last unit or component of thepipe 110 is optionally a base or tray 150 with lid 115 that is tapereddownward to brings the cable or conduit 101 into an optionally buriedjunction box 120 for underground distribution. In FIGS. 31B and 31Dcable or conduit 101 is shown in cross-hatching, while alternativeembodiment of these components are shown schematically in isolation inFIGS. 21A and C.

In FIGS. 31A and B, the combined base or tray 150 with lid 115 connectsthis last component that form the pipe 110 on the front side 150 f whilethe end or back 150 bf may form a sealed connection with the top of thejunction box 120 so that the same cable or conduit 101 can extendbetween them with a gradual bend avoiding the need to form a splice viaan intermediate connector in the junction box 120. The end or backopening 150 bf faces downward while the front opening 150 f facessideways or laterally.

In FIGS. 31B and C, the cable 101 enter the buried box 120 from thesides, so the component, which optionally may comprise the base or tray150 covered by lid 115 also tapers downward with a buried back face 150br provided for forming a preferably sealed connection to the junctionbox 120. Both the front side 150 f and back face 150 br that is buriedface laterally. It should be understood that the use of the base or tray150 with the lid 115 is merely an example, and these components may alsobe sealed at the top, rather than receive a lid for closure of an opentop.

FIG. 32A-33C illustrate a process of installation using the base 150with uprights sidewalls 151 to form a flush or essentially flush pipe110 with multiple conductors 101, using a cross-section through theground 10 that is transverse to the principal axis of the pipe 110. Inthe first step, FIG. a shallow trench 15 is formed in the ground surface10 by excavation, or mounding soil or granular solid spaced apart toform the sides 15 s that extend upward from the bottom 15 b. Then, basesor trays 150 with upright sides 151 are inserted or formed in the in thetrench 15, with earth 10 either being generally flush with exteriorsidewalls 151 or being filled in with earth of other granular filler tothe exterior of the sidewalls 151. Next, conductor 101 or conduits forreceiving a flexible conductor 101 are placed in the mating depressionsof channel 155, which are optionally part of the base, or formed byspaced apart cable supports strips 160 (as illustrated in FIG. 25A-C.)in either a base with sides, or if the earth or soil 10 surrounding thetrench 15 is sufficiently stable then the cable support strip 160 may beplaced on the bottom 15 b of the trench 15. However, it is preferable todeploy some versions of the base or trays 150 with sides that can thenserve as a guide, so the trench is excavated at a sufficient depth toprotect the cable 101 and is still generally flush or slightly belowwith the top of the earth 10 to provide vertical space for adding anoptional lid 115. The region between the sides 15 s of the trench 15and/or the sides 151 of a base or tray 150 is filled with concrete 1501to cover the conductors 101. The lid 115 may then be set over the wetconcrete to provide further protection, as well as a marking to aid inlocating the pipe 110 in case of a need for further service or repair,as well as an additional warning barrier against inadvertent excavationthereof. To the extent the top of the lid 115 is below the level of theadjacent earth 10, it can be covered with layer 16, which is optionallyearth or soil 10, or other granular material such as paving asphalt andthe like when it is desired to provide ground level electricaldistribution systems 100 adjacent streets and roads. The flush oressentially flush pipe 110 may be considered a Minimum Cover Cablesystem (MCCS) as the amount or soil 10 or aggregate covering the pipe110 or the lids 115 thereof may be less than about 4 inches (100 mm),and the depth below the soil or terrain grade 10 of the bottom of thepipe 110 or the trays or bases thereof less than about 4 to 12 inches(100 mm to 300 mm), while still providing adequate protection to andfrom the high voltage in the conductors thereof, and eliminating thelikely of live conductors being penetrated or exposed in a manner thatcan ignite fires. The amount or soil 10 or aggregate covering the pipe110 or the lids 115 is also generally less than about half of the heightof the cavity 5107 formed between a lid 115 and base or tray 150. Suchflush or essentially flush pipe 110 of the MCCS can also be deployedbelow or as part of a GLDS 100 that includes ground level pipe 110 asdescribed in other embodiment to create a Multi-Layer Electric Primarysystem.

In another embodiment of the method the various useful shapes of atleast portion of the bases and trays 150 may be formed in the shallowtrench by extruding a continuous base of concrete via one of a die and apattern to provide walls and channel to space apart and support theconductor cable 101 and/or fiber optic cables 102. The continuous base150 of concrete is preferably fire-resistant concrete.

FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate another alternative embodiment of ajunction box 120 for connecting segments of the pipe 110 in the GLDSshowing how the cable 101 enter the base of the junction box 120 andthen follow a convoluted path, such to first extent at least partway upthe walls, then extend around the interior perimeter, then descending toexit on the opposite side. The extra length of each of the 3 cable 101(for ground, neutral and powered cables) provided by the convoluted pathwithin the junction box 120 provides for also additional space forincluding switches, 3 or more way distribution junctions as well asmaking splices if the GLDS segment 110 on one side is completely damagedand needs to be replaced by new cables 101 brought into the junction box120. The junction box 170 may be of sufficient height to form a walk-inheight enclosure that is formed of reinforcement, such as with ananchored cement foundation, walls and or roof to withstand high winds instorms and tornados. Such enclosures also have wind and debris impactresilient door and fitting for entering to provide service, testing,maintenance, or repair.

FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a junction box120 in which each of the 3 cables 101 are situated side by side as theenter the junction box but are folded in a convoluted shape, such as theZ-pattern to provide extra cable length for making splices if the GLDSsegment 110 on one side is completely damaged and needs to be replacedby new cables 101 brought into the junction box 120.

FIG. 36A-37C illustrate alternative means for making gradual adjustmentof one or more of each GLDS component, such as the trays or enclosures150 and lid 115 to follow a non-planar terrain or grade 10.

In FIGS. 36A and 36B a variant of a coupler 170 that is now a hollowcoupling segment 171 with an interior cavity 157 for joining twoassembled trays or enclosures 150 with lids 115. The hollow couplingsegment 171 has a central or medial convoluted plastic or elastomericportion 175 that is flexible until filled with solidified insulator suchas concrete 1501. The central portion 175 may have more rigid or thickeropposing end portions 176 for engaging and sealing open ends of the trayor enclosure 150 either before or after inserting the lid 115. The depthof the hollow coupling segment 171 can be varied to accommodate theintended width of the pipe 110 transverse to the principal axis. Theopen right and left side segments 158R and 158L defined by the opposingends 176 then extend outward from the central portion 175 to receive andsealingly engage the flanges at the front 150 f and back 150 b ofadjacent trays or enclosures 150 to provide a variable change in angleof the pipe 110 that receives cable 101 to form the GLDS 100. Cables 101that extend through the pipe 110 may then curves within the centralconvoluted portion 175. The convoluted central portion 175 may havethinner walls that the right and left side segments 158R and 158L so theflexure can occur at the changes in direction of the convolutions and/orflexible convoluted central portion 175 may be made of a more compliantor elastomeric polymer or resin, such as a thermo-plastic elastomer orsilicone rubber.

In FIG. 37A-C, the tray or enclosure 150 has a central portion 1575 thatis hollow having a convoluted plastic or elastomeric outer wall capableof flexure as shown in FIG. 37C, in a similar mode to the convolutedplastic or elastomeric portion 175 in FIGS. 36A and 36B. In FIG. 37A theopen base or tray component 150 for forming a pipe 100 of the GLDS 100has a lid or cover 115 installed on the open left side 150L, whereas thelid 115 is or cover is not yet installed in the right side 150R. In thecross-sectional elevation view in FIG. 37C the cover or lid 115 isinstalled on the right side 150R and the left side 150L and the centralconvoluted portion 175 between them is flexed to tilt the right side150L at an acute angle away from the left side 150L. The cable 101 isshown inside the cavity 157 in an exterior elevation view and curveswithin the central convoluted portion being supported on cable supportstrips 160 or optionally semi-circular channels 155 formed or placed inthe bottom 153 of the right side 150R and the left side 150L of the trayor enclosure 150. The lids 115 on the left and right sides of the trayor enclosure may be installed before or after concrete 1501 is placed inthe cavity 157. When the lids 115 are placed on the right 150R and left150L sides the concrete 1501 may flow around the cable 101 from theupper adjacent enclosure 150 of the pipe 110.

It is preferable that the set of assembled trays or enclosures 150 andcaps or lids 115, and/or functionally equivalent components are filledwith a relatively fire resilient concrete 1501 so that a wildfire canpass through or adjacent the GLDS 100 while the concrete protects theintegrity of filling material and overall system as it relates tolongevity.

The concrete 1501 used to fill the pipe 110 may be admixed with clay,limestone, and gypsum as well as nonmetallic reinforcing fibers, such asglass fiber and aramid fibers to improve strength and fire resistance.Appropriate concrete formulations are provided in the following patentdocuments, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Ser.No. 10/029,945B2 issued 2018 Jul. 24 to WERZ J, et al.; U.S. Pat. No.4,276,091A issued 1981 Jun. 39 to Kaiser Aluminum Corp.; U.S. Pat. No.5,472,497A issued on 1992 Jun. 20 to Jaklin, H. and CN108975810Apublished 2018 Dec. 11 (inventors She Wei et al.)

Fire resistant concrete 1501 will also contain a potential internalignition within the pipe 110, as well as maintain structural integritywhere the cables 101 are not damaged by external or internal heat, andthus limit the portion of the GLDS 100 that would need local repair.

It is also preferable that the set of assembled trays 150 that togetherform the sealed elongated pipe 110 are fabricated from a dielectricmaterial or composite that is either neither flammable nor willpropagate flames that originate either internally or externally. A rangeof plastic resins, and particularly plastic resins that containparticulate and/or glass fibers for reinforcement, as well as organicflame retardant additives are known for this purpose. Non-limitingexamples of these materials are disclosed in the following patentdocuments, which are incorporated herein by reference. The includesEP2346130A2 issued 2011 Jul. 20 to Kupilik, P. et al. for “Fireprooftube for cables”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,385A which issued on 1999 Nov.16 to Gottfied S and U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,640A issued Oct. 28, 1997 toKiser, M. D.

There are also many types of suitable plastic materials commerciallyavailable such as Kydex T™ brand formable and fire-retardant sheet fromACI Plastics of 3001 Spruce St. St. Louis, MO 63103Royalite™ brandAerospace Rated Sheet as well as Oyalite FR Weather Resistant Sheet,R87/59, both available from Spartech 11650 Lakeside Crossing Ct.Maryland Heights, MO, United States, 63146. Also, potentially usefulmaterials are plastic, resins and composites qualified for use onaircraft interiors due to their FAR 25/853 flame-rated compliance. Suchmaterials may include the Royalite® product line, Noryl™ ModifiedPolyphenylene Ether Sheet, GTX grade UL 94HB and EN265 grade UL 94V-1,as well as composites and filled resins (such as with granular fillers,discrete fibers or continuous fibers) based on any of the followingpolymers, which include without limitation: Polyetherether ketone(PEEK), Polyetherketone (PEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PES),Polyphenylene Ether (PPE), Polyamide-imide, blends of polyvinylchloride(PVC) and acrylic, butadiene and styrene copolymers (ABS) and blends ofPVC and acrylic resins. Fiberglass, mineral and ceramic fillers, andflame retardant compounds can be used as fillers to render variousplastic resins such as the above less flammable and likely to propagateflames, and thus comply with standards such as UL 94 V-0, 5VA, HB, FMVSS302. Furthermore, the plastic resins may contain ultraviolet (UV) lightabsorbing fillers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to improveresistance to degradation from solar exposure on the upper and sidesurface of the lids 115 and bases or trays 150, and similar componentssuch as the coupler bars 170.

It should be appreciated that the use of plastic trays 150 and lids 115,and components with equivalent function or placement or assembly may befabricated from materials other than plastic, resin or plastic/resin andfiber composites, such as without limitation pre-cast concretecomponents or ceramic components. Depending on strength and stiffness ofthe material used to form the trays and bases 150 and related structurethat support the cable 101 the thickness of the upright walls 154 ispreferably at least about 0.1 inches thick (2.5 mm) to about 0.5 inches(12 mm) and more preferably about 0.25 inches (6 mm) thick or greater.The height of the trays or bases 150 may vary to accommodate cable 101of different diameter. The cable support strips 160 and the channels andthe semi-circular channels 155 formed in the bottom 153 of the tray 150,as well as comparable structures in other embodiments for supportingcables 101 and 102 may be formed of or coated with low coefficient offriction resins such as Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene(UHMWPE), fluoropolymers, polyamide resins and resins filled with lowfriction fillers, such as molybdenum disulfide to facilitate pullingcables through the pipe 110 with or without the covers or lids 115 inplaces as an alternative to laying the cables 101 into the cable supportstrips or semi-circular channels 155 and comparable structures in otherembodiments.

It should be appreciated that significant benefits accrue from usingvarious plastic materials for the trays 150 and lids 115 in combinationwith encasing the conductors 101 in concrete. The trays 110 with varioussidewalls for a mold for containing the liquid concrete when it ispoured to cover and protect the conductors 110. Then, by covering theopening in the tray 150 with the plastic lid 115 the concrete filler1501 is protected from the elements which can erode it. The lid 115 alsoprovides a means to indicate the location of a live conductor to enhancesafety. The indication in the lid 115 can be embossed so it is stillvisible if a sticker, decal, or painted indicia becomes faded over time,or is washed or eroded away.

It should also be appreciated that other benefits of the variousembodiment of the GLDS 100 may include reliable power to customers thatis robust in resisting damage and interruptions from high winds orstorms.

Further, the GLDS 100 will also eliminate or reduce utilities cost invegetation management, and the risk of tree/root growth into facilities(as experienced in underground systems) and improve the ease ofinspection of the same to promote prompt interventions that avoidservice disruptions.

In addition, the GLDS will eliminate the risk of dig-ins by providingclear indication of high-power line. The GLDS 100 further improves theenvironmental hazard management to support leach field challenges andmethane gases below ground, which has challenged Pacific Gas andElectric in restoring new service to the Northern California town ofParadise after it was destroyed by a wildfire.

The various embodiment of the GLDS 100 may be particularly suited as asolution to provide electric services that transit utility easements(PUE) due to limited space, as well as situations in which fire riskfrom OH power lines need to be mitigated without excavation, such as onNative America reservations, organic farms and vineyard that surroundwineries.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.Such alternatives may include various combinations and sub-combinationsof components, materials, features, process steps and other aspects ofthe innovations from some embodiments, with those in other embodiments.

For example, in all the embodiments in which a lid 115 is used to covera tray or base 150 to form an enclosure to be coupled with otherenclosures to form the pipe 110, some of the lids 115 may have holes forfilling the pipe 110 with a granular or fluid material like variousaggregates and concrete. In an additional example any of the enclosuresmay be curved or best within a common plane of the pipe 110 or bent todirect the pipe 110 upward or downward, or deploy a flexible enclosureor couple multiple enclosures with flexible couplings to provide agradual modulation of slope of portion of the pipe 110 to match theterrain or ground 10, both for pipe 110 disposed on the ground level oressentially flush with the terrain or ground level 10.

I claim:
 1. A container system for forming channels that receiveconductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system, the container system comprising anenclosure having: a. a tray having a base at a bottom and a pair ofopposing sidewalls, in which the sidewalls slope upward from opposingedges of the bottom at a junction with the sidewalls to a rim, the rimbeing at a generally horizontal opening in the tray in which thehorizontal opening has a narrower width than a width of the base betweenthe opposing edges, b. one or more cable spacer members laterally spacedapart between the first pair of opposing sidewalls, c. a lid configuredto engage the rim to close the horizontal opening in the tray.
 2. Thecontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem according to claim 1 that further comprises a pair of openingsthat are generally orthogonal to the first pair of opposing sidewalls.3. The container system for forming channels that receive conductorcable for one of an essentially flush and ground level electricaldistribution system according to claim 1, in which the cable spacermembers are one of formed integrally within the bottom of the tray andspaced apart to extend at least partially over a portion of the bottomof the tray.
 4. The container system for forming channels that receiveconductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system according to claim 1 in which the cablespacer members have a plurality of holes to allow a liquid used to filla cavity between the tray and the lid to flow under a portion of one atleast one of the tray and the cable spacer members.
 5. The containersystem for forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution systemaccording to claim 1, in which the tray has one or more lateral flangesthat extend outward away from at least one of the opposing sidewalls atthe edge of the base.
 6. The container system for forming channels thatreceive conductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system according to claim 1 wherein at least onelower portion of the lid penetrates below the rim.
 7. The containersystem for forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution systemaccording to claim 1 in which the tray has a central portion with aninterior cavity surrounded by a convoluted flexible wall.
 8. Thecontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem according to claim 1 in which one of the lid and opposingsidewalls have a portion that forms an acute angle less than 60 degreesfrom the base.
 9. The container system for forming channels that receiveconductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system according to claim 5 in which the lateralflanges have through holes for receiving anchors to couple the tray inproximal contact with terrain.
 10. The container system for formingchannels that receive conductor cable for one of an essentially flushand ground level electrical distribution system according to claim 1 inwhich the lid has downward extending portion that covers at least anexterior portion of the sidewalls.
 11. The container system for formingchannels that receive conductor cable for one of an essentially flushand ground level electrical distribution system according to claim 5 inwhich the lid has at least one downward extending portion that covers atleast an exterior portion of the sidewalls that extend as side flangesfor extending over the lateral flanges of the tray.
 12. The containersystem for forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution systemaccording to claim 11 in which the lid has side flanges for extendingover the lateral flanges of the tray and the side flanges of the lid hasholes that vertically align with holes in the lateral flanges of thetray for receiving anchors to couple the tray in proximal contact withterrain.
 13. The container system for forming channels that receiveconductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system according to claim 2 further comprisingone or more coupling bars configured to extend over sidewall of theenclosure at edge of the openings that are generally orthogonal to thefirst pair of opposing sides and engage a 2^(nd) enclosure connected tothe opposing openings of the enclosure.
 14. The container system forforming channels that receive conductor cable for one of an essentiallyflush and ground level electrical distribution system according to claim13 in which the coupling bars that engage the connection between theenclosure and a second enclosure at the opposing opening of theenclosure by flexing to snap in place.
 15. The container system forforming channels that receive conductor cable for one of an essentiallyflush and ground level electrical distribution system according to claim11 further comprising one or more coupling bars configured to extendover lateral flanges of the tray and the side flanges of the lid at edgeof the openings that are generally orthogonal to the first pair ofopposing sides and engage a 2^(nd) enclosure connected to the opposingopenings of the enclosure.
 16. The container system for forming channelsthat receive conductor cable for one of an essentially flush and groundlevel electrical distribution system according to claim 1 in which thetray has a portion that is one of curved and bent to change a localprincipal axis of at least a portion of the enclosure.
 17. The containersystem for forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution systemaccording to claim 2 in which the tray has a portion that is one ofcurved and bent to change a local principal axis of a portion of theenclosure to dispose one of the openings of said pair above the otheropening of the pair such that the base of the tray is not entirelydisposed in a single plane.
 18. The container system for formingchannels that receive conductor cable for one of an essentially flushand ground level electrical distribution system according to claim 2 inwhich each of the openings of said pair is configured to have aninverted lag offset flange from the other opening to provide sealedengagement when a 2^(nd) enclosure is coupled to the enclosure atopposing openings.
 19. The container system for forming channels thatreceive conductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system according to claim 1 in which theenclosure is fabricated from a dielectric material or composite that isfire resilient and will not propagate flames that originate eitherinternally or externally.
 20. The container system for forming channelsthat receive conductor cable for one of an essentially flush and groundlevel electrical distribution system according to claim 1 in which atleast a portion of the bottom of the tray is open.
 21. The containersystem for forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution systemaccording to claim 1 in which the lid has one or more holes.
 22. Thecontainer system for forming channels that receive conductor cable forone of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem according to claim 1 in which the cable spacers are configured ascable support members that present upward facing channels for receivingat least one of insulated conductor cable, cable in conduit and fiberoptic cable.
 23. The container system for forming channels that receiveconductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system according to claim 22 in which the upwardspacing channels vary in diameter to accommodate narrow fiber opticcables and wider cable that are one insulated conductor cables andconductor in conduit.
 24. The container system for forming channels thatreceive conductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system according to claim 1 in which the cablespacers are configured as an indexing member with a plurality ofdownward appendages that descend from a generally horizontal support.25. A container system for forming channels that receive conductor cablefor one of an essentially flush and ground level electrical distributionsystem, the container system comprising an enclosure having: a. a baseat having a bottom and a first pair of opposing sidewalls, in which thesidewalls of the first pair extend upward from the base to an upper rimat a horizontal opening in the base, b. one or more cable spacer memberslaterally spaced apart between the opposing sidewalls of the first pair,c. a lid for installing over the base to cover the rim of the base, thelid having a generally horizontal center portion and opposing walls thatslopes from a lower rim upward to the generally horizontal centerportion in which a height of the lid from the lower rim to the generallyhorizontal center portion is greater than a height of the base from thebottom to the upper rim.
 26. The container system for forming channelsthat receive conductor cable for one of an essentially flush and groundlevel electrical distribution system according to claim 25 in which thecable spacers are configured as an indexing member with a plurality ofdownward appendages that descend from a generally horizontal support.27. The container system for forming channels that receive conductorcable for one of an essentially flush and ground level electricaldistribution system according to claim 25 further comprising a secondlid to sealingly cover the upper rim of the base.
 28. The containersystem for forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution systemaccording to claim 25 in which the cable spacers are configured as cablesupport members that present upward facing channels for receiving atleast one of insulated conductor cable, cable in conduit and fiber opticcable.
 29. The container system for forming channels that receiveconductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system according to claim 25 in which the lidhas one or more holes.
 30. A container system for forming channels thatreceive conductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system, the container system comprising anenclosure having: a. a base having a bottom, b. one or more cable spacermembers laterally spaced apart for isolating cables disposed on thebottom, c. a lid for installing over the base to cover the one or morecable spacer members, the lid having a generally horizontal centerportion and opposing walls that slope from a lower rim upward to thegenerally horizontal center portion, d. in which a height of the lidfrom the lower rim to the generally horizontal center portion is greaterthan a height of the cable spacer member from the bottom to provide acavity for receiving one or more of at least one of insulated conductorcable, cable in conduit and fiber optic cable.
 31. A container systemfor forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution systemaccording to claim 30 in which each of the base and the lid have outwardextending lateral side flanges that overlap, including with alignedholes in each side flanges for receiving anchors to couple the base andlid together in proximal contact with terrain.
 32. The container systemfor forming channels that receive conductor cable for one of anessentially flush and ground level electrical distribution systemaccording to claim 30 in which the cable spacers are configured as cablesupport members that present upward facing channels for receiving atleast one of insulated conductor cable, cable in conduit and fiber opticcable.
 33. The container system for forming channels that receiveconductor cable for one of an essentially flush and ground levelelectrical distribution system according to claim 30 in which the lidhas one or more holes to provide for filling a space in the cavity overand around cables with a cementitious filler.